The Students with Unique Needs (SUN) Education Scholarship Account Act establishes a new program in Alabama aimed at providing parents of eligible students with the ability to create individualized education programs using funds from an education scholarship account. Eligible students include those under 19 who have attended public K-12 schools, children of active-duty military members, students with disabilities, foster children, and homeless students. The program will commence in the 2024-2025 school year, initially serving 500 students with an additional 500 students allowed each subsequent year. Parents must adhere to specific conditions, such as providing education in core subjects and not enrolling their child in charter or public schools, except for certain contracted services. The act also outlines qualifying expenses for scholarship funds, which include tuition, textbooks, and private tutoring, and mandates that the state deposit 95% of the gross state Foundation Program cost-per-student into each eligible student's account.

The bill, HB334, enhances accountability and oversight of the education scholarship accounts by introducing measures such as a preapproval and reimbursement system for educational expenses, a process for removing fraudulent schools and service providers, and the establishment of an anonymous fraud reporting service. It requires participating schools to comply with health and safety laws, administer standardized tests, and provide financial documentation. Consequences for misrepresentation or failure to deliver promised services include barring schools and providers from accepting funds and notifying affected students and parents. The legislation emphasizes transparency by mandating that parents ensure their eligible students take standardized tests and report their graduation status. The act will take effect three months after being passed and approved by the Governor.